TAPS–In Honor of Veterans

I recently received this in an email. I think it bears passing on. Unfortunately, I don’t know who the author is. If you read this on my blog, and you wrote it, please let me know. I want to give you the credit due you. It is an excellent article.

“We in the United States have all heard the the haunting song, “Taps….” It’s the song that give us teh lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.

“But, do you know the stroy behind the song? If not, I think you will be intersted to find out about its humble beginnings.

“Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Elli was with his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. The Cofenderate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

“During the night, Captain Elli heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captian decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment….

“When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

“The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out..Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

“The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.

“The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.

“The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth’s uniform.

“The wish was granted. The haunting melody we now know as “Taps,” used at military funerals, was born.

“The words are:

Day is done. Gone the sun.
From the lakes, From the hills, From the sky.
All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh.

Fading light Dims the sight.
And a star Gems the sky, Gleaming bright.
From afar. Drawing nigh. Falls the night.

Thanks and praise For our days
Neath the sun, Neath the stars, Neath the sky.
As we go, this we know: God is nigh.”

I thought this was appropriate as we remember on Veterans. If you are a Vet, thank-you for your service. If you know a Vet, please thank them. May we all remember those who were lost or harmed while in the service of our country.